Monday, October 20, 2008

Nike+ Women's Half Marathon

This weekend, I virtually participated in the Nike+ Women's Half Marathon. I ran it down along Sunset Beach, Bolsa Chica Beach, Dog Beach, down to Huntington Beach and then back. It was much different than the Long Beach 1/2 I did the weekend before. When I started, I knew it was going to be more difficult because it was just me, running by myself. Oh and a disclaimer for all you Clif Shot Blok lovers out there. I proclaimed my love for them on my last post, but for the half, I tried a new flavor, Pina Colada. It was absolutely the worst taste ever, and I literally thought I threw up in my mouth. So warning, try Pina Colada if you think you'll like it, but don't depend on it!

The first three miles, in my head I kept thinking, okay, you can do this. Once I got to mile four, I realized, okay, you're already four miles out, you might as well keep going... which shows you how bad I am at math. 13-4=9 more miles to go. I should have been saying this at the ten mile mark, not the four mile mark. Around the eight mile mark, I started to get tired, but I knew that it wouldn't be that bad, and I just made sure that I never stopped, because I knew if I stopped I wouldn't be able to get going again.

Speaking of the ten mile mark, once I got here, I was thinking, OH MY GOSH WHEN IS THIS FREAKING GOING TO BE OVER! At the Long Beach 1/2, I was excited, all the people were starting to gather, and it was a definite mood booster. The birds were not cawing for me lined up on the beach path, it was just my Nike+ and me. Finally around mile 12 I was starting to be relieved that the end was near. I didn't work incredibly hard but there was this older woman in front of me that I kind of paced off of for a while.

She was the cutest thing EVER and I tried my hardest to keep up with her, but she was always like 10 steps ahead! Annoying! She turned around though before I made it back to the starting line and she was so cute. I hope to be like her when I get older, and have her speed! Sheesh louise!

The weather was a little bit chilly, but nice for a long run, and there weren't as many people out as there usually are on Saturdays. Here is a picture on my way down to the beach.

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The fog was rolling in over the sun. It was pretty gorgeous and even when the fog was in, it burned off rather quickly. I synced my run with the Nike+ website, and still got an email that said remember to sync your run this morning. I swear the Nike+ website is the WORST around... so now I must wait patiently for my box to arrive with my finisher goods! I can't wait to read about the Nike+ marathons. Unfortunately I don't have my mile splits for my 1/2 that I did, but I finished in 1:58. So a minute off my last time, which was good.

This morning I signed up for the San Francisco 1/2 Marathon and I got in the first race, so I'm super excited. You guys got me all freaked out that I wouldn't be able to get in, but alas, I'll be up there soon racing with all you! I just have to sign up for a few more races and figure out my schedule.

This week I am taking the week really slow and day by day, I might hit up the gym to get ripped like Jillian from the Biggest Loser, but not really too much running, to give myself a break. Hope every one's races went well! and here is a picture from the Long Beach race.

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I know I look fast, but I'm not, it's an optical illusion!

P.S. Funny Story: After the LB 1/2 I was napping while the boyfriend was watching football, and I guess in my nap, I told him in my sleep that I really wanted Taco Bell! Who does that!

12 comments:

P.O.M. said...

I love that run by dog beach. I only get down there when I'm in my 18+ mileages though.

Yep, I did Santa Ynez this year. I have family that lives there so I made it a girls/mothers day weekend thing. The race is cool, but there are a few big hills. I finished in 2:03, but hopefully will be around 1:50 next year.

Are you on facebook?

Mojito Maven said...

YAY congrats to you!!! Seriously, you are an inspiration to me!

Julianne said...

LMAO! You told your BF you wanted Taco Bell in your sleep??!! OMG. That is soooo funny and really cute, actually. You signed up for the SFM for 2009 already!??!?! Omg. You are so on top of it. I didn't even know you can sign up already? Ok, I'll see you there because the SFM is my signature marathon. Haha. Is there such a thing? I've done 4 SFMs already and want to do it like every year until I not able to. Btw, great race report. You are too cute when running. I wish I looked half as cute as you when I'm sweating and panting. And running. Let's not forget the last part. Haha.

Billy said...

You look like you're flying in that pic!

Good job on the Sunday Run! I used to be a Shot Block fan, but no longer. Just the occasional GU. Stick with it girl.

Jenn said...

Beautiful pics! And hey, after a 1/2, I think everyone deserves some Taco Bell. lol.

BeachRunner said...

Super great job. Your discipline and dedication to running is awesome. Time for a taco!

E said...

You look like such a graceful runner in that pic. Great job!

runjen said...

Congrats on the half. LOL that you told your bf you wanted T-Bell in your sleep. That is so something I would do. Hilarious.

joyRuN said...

I agree - that is one good-looking action pic! No fair!!

Wow - you really like Taco Bell that much, huh?

congrats!!!

Marlene said...

Congrats on your virtual race!

Aron said...

awesome job on the run!!!!

ill have to come to SFM and cheer you on!! its a great race and the first half is really awesome, tough but totally worth it!!

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

Wow, congratulations! It makes me tired just reading this post, weakling gym-goer that I am. How impressive to actually run 13.1 miles and look cute while doing it, too - however do you manage that?